The EC‑Council Capture the Flag (CTF) competition on 25 September 2025 delivered a headline moment for Middlesex University Dubai. A second‑year team from the Computer Engineering & Informatics (CEI) department, “Team Hotkeys”, finished third out of twenty regional squads and earned a cash reward of AED 2,250. The result underlines the university’s commitment to hands‑on cybersecurity training and positions it as a key player in the Middle East’s cyber‑defence arena.
How Team Hotkeys earned their podium finish
Team Hotkeys—comprising Anastasia Kajalic, Jeanette Susan Joice and Aathrey Ruturaj Kubasad—faced challenging pipelines ranging from web exploitation to reverse engineering. Their success can be traced to four core practices:
- Structured preparation. The group held timed mock CTF sessions that mirrored the official challenge format, allowing members to identify weak links early.
- Clear role allocation. Each teammate specialised in a sub‑skill: exploitation, cryptography or forensics, which reduced duplication of effort.
- Rapid problem‑solving. On the day, the team employed a “time‑buffer” strategy—solving easier challenges first to keep the clock running and seize bonus points.
- Post‑battle debrief. After the competition, the team reviewed every file and discussion thread to internalise lessons for future contests.
Faculty mentor Engie Bashir noted the team’s “exceptional skill and team‑work” as a testament to the CEI department’s focus on real‑world experience.
CEI’s role in fostering competitive excellence
With five teams representing CEI—twice the standard participation level—Middlesex University Dubai showcased a structured approach to student development:
- Regular workshops on vulnerability analysis, exploit development and evidence handling.
- Mentorship by industry partners, notably Japreet Singh, who guided undergraduates through tournament‑ready strategies.
- Access to practice labs and a dedicated CTF sandbox that mimics operational networks.
- Integration of competition results into coursework feedback and ranking systems.
These practices yield a pipeline of graduates who already hold solid, demonstrable skill sets for employers.
Preparing for your own CTF participation
Cyberspace competitions are stepping stones for career readiness. Here are structured steps to build competence:
- Master fundamentals: operating‑system internals, networking protocols, and common exploitation vectors.
- Engage with community resources such as CTFtime, Hack The Box, and TryHackMe to practice in safe environments.
- Form or join a study group to simulate team dynamics—a critical factor, as seen with Team Hotkeys’ role distribution.
- Schedule recurring “capture” sessions in the weeks leading to the competition to condition timing and pressure handling.
- Post‑event analysis: document every solution, log what worked and what stalled, then refine your tactics.
Why Middlesex University Dubai is the partner you need
For students eyeing a career in cybersecurity, the BSc Honours Cyber Security and Digital Forensics at Middlesex University Dubai offers:
- UK‑accredited curriculum and real‑time project assignments aligned with industry‑accepted standards.
- Strong ties to regional vendors and service‑providers, giving students internship and employment pathways.
- Campus facilities including 24/7 cyber‑lab access, enabling hands‑on experimentation outside class hours.
- Alumni network spanning Dubai, Bahrain, and the wider GCC—an essential support system for job placement.
These advantages have consistently placed MDX graduates in roles ranging from security analysts to forensics investigators across the Middle East.
Get Involved—How to Apply and Learn More
Ready to join a university that combines theoretical knowledge with competitive practice? Here’s what to do next:
- Explore the curriculum. Visit our program page to see the modules and special projects.
- Apply now. Submit your application through the online portal and secure a spot for the upcoming intake.
- Contact our Admissions Office if you have questions or need support.
- Follow the university’s social media feed for updates on future competitions and student achievements.
- Share your interests with the community—comment below or connect with one of our student ambassadors.
By combining rigorous academics with competitive exposure, Middlesex University Dubai equips its students to face the dynamic threats of the digital world. Team Hotkeys’ third place finish is just one example of the excellence students can expect when they choose MDX for their cybersecurity education.
For more details or to discuss admissions, consider reaching out today. We look forward to guiding you toward a rewarding career in cyber security and digital forensics.
